Dear Nella: My name is Ted Jagosz. I was a First Lieutenant in Company B leading the 2nd Platoon at the time of your brother's death. You can not imagine how gratified I am that you have requested more information concerning your loss during the Vietnam War. For years I have wanted to contact somebody from his family, if only to tell them that Sgt Fackrell was one of the finest soldiers I have ever met and a very decent and friendly human being. Although Clinton was not a member of my 2nd platoon in B Company (he was a member of 3rd platoon), I encountered him often at the Cu Chi base camp and even a few times on the battlefield. We had more than a couple of conversations at those time (I don't remember what about). When I saw him operating in the field, I was always struck by his poise and professionalism. He was
hard not to notice.
If you look up the tribute I wrote for Lieutenant Frank D'Amico (Clinton's 3rd Platoon Leader), you will find some of the details of that fight and Clinton's actions on that day. In summary, Lt D'Amico was the first man to be hit by a sniper as he exited his vehicle. Clinton, three other men from 3rd Platoon and the Company Medic, Sp/5 Jimmie Scott, were all hit shortly after when they tried to lend assistance to Lt D'Amico or when they tried to maneuver against the enemy fire to neutralize it. As I said in the tribute, there is no greater love and dedication that a man, especially a soldier, can show than that he risk or even lose his life for the sake of his friends. This is the full measure of heroism and Clinton measured up to that standard.
I believe that Clinton was a non-denominational Protestant Christian but I have been thinking that it might be some consolation to his family if they knew that during his last moments on earth he did receive the Last Rites of the Catholic Church minutes after he was hit. I observed Fr (Cpt) Clarence Olszewski, our unit Chaplain administering this Sacrament to all of our fallen that day. It is our belief that this affords the recipient a 1st Class ticket to Paradise. Fr. Olszewski, with whom I still communicate to this day, has often shared with me expressions of the high esteem he had for Sgt Clinton Fackrell. Be assured he is remembered and missed by all of us who held him in such high regard. I hope this has been helpful to the family and be assured that I keep all of my comrades in arms and their families in my prayers.
With best regards, I wish God's blessings on all of you.
On April 13th, the 1st Bn(M) 5th Inf began a two day search and destroy operation in the Filhol. C Company (-) of the 1/69th Armor was attached to the battalion along with 1 platoon of the 65th Engineers. The battalion task force was divided into three teams and a command group. At 0630 hours, all elements departed Cu Chi Base Camp through OP Ann Margret and the teams secured their respective objectives without opposition. The battalion command group established a task force forward base in the vicinity of XT 647207. As the teams conducted searches of their areas throughout the day, 7 APCs, 3 tanks and 1 VTR struck mines. 1 tank was struck by an RPG-2 round that penetrated through the tank and caused 1 minor injury. This was the first time that a tank of the 25th Division had been hit with an RPG round. Company B encountered a small group of VC in spider holes and tunnels who, by the use of snipers and rifle grenades, killed 5 and wounded 7 members of the company. The other teams suffered light casualties in scattered encounters. Companies A and C and the Recon Platoon closed into the battalion night base camp. B Company established its own perimeter as it was providing security for three tanks which had become mired and were not extracted until 2300 hours
Christine Asby
cjasby@cs.com
Kansas City, MO.
~ Thank you, for Serving, your Country! ~
SGT., Fackrell ~ I never, had the honor to have, known you, but you gave, the ultimate sacrifice, on November 23, 1968. I was a little girl, then, but I knew, about Vietnam. I'am from Kansas City, don't know, where Kinder, MO., is? Also I have a sister, named Shirley, too. I just want to say, thank you, for your bravery and courage. You Sir, Are Not Forgotten. Rest Well, Brave Soldier and May G-D Bless you, Always, Clinton.
Sep 6, 2008
Shane Fackrell
shanefackrell@yahoo.com
My grandpa Ron told me about you and how we are related. I really wish I could have gotten to know you. Right now Im a Spc in the 25th ID. I hope I can serve as bravely as you did.
May 23, 2008
manny g
Fellow Veteran 69-70 An Khe
Union Gap, WA. 98903
“You are Remembered”
Peace and condolence, to the family and friends. “He which hath no stomach, to this fight, let him depart. But we in it, shall be remembered. We few, we happy few, we band of brothers!! For he today, that sheds his blood with me, shall always be my brother.” Rest in peace brave soldier, you have not been forgotten. (W.Shakespeare) May God Bless you, for your Sacrifice!!!
Apr 13, 2007
Aaron Fackrell
storm_trooper671
Nephew
1802, SW., 71st, street, Topak KS., 66610, USA
To My Uncle.
To my uncle, I never met you, though, I would, have loved to, only you and my father, served in Vietnam and he...made it out. I wish, I could have gotten the chance, to meet you, he says, you were a great guy. I love you and am damned proud, to be your nephew. Love, your nephew, Aaron.
8/12/2006
Grateful American
Fellow Californian
American Hero
Thank you, Sgt., Fackrell, for your ultimate, sacrifice. Rest well, brave soldier and rest assured, that you, Sir, are not forgotten.
Wednesday, April 13, 2005
RoseMary Hamlin
None
Birthday Wishes
I salute you, Clinton, today, on your 61st, birthday. I want to thank you, for answering your country's call, to go, to Viet Nam. You will always be remembered, by your family and friends, for the hero, that you were. Clinton, you, are now soaring, with the angels and you touch the face, of God, everyday. Rest peacefully, sir, for you've, earned it.
Sunday, December 07, 2003
Denis McDonough
Denis1146@aol.com
Fellow Bobcat
Clinton, I just wanted, you, to know, you, are not forgotten. You are, loved and missed. My prayers, to you and your family. The picture, of Clinton, was courtesy of his sister, Nel Britt.
Wednesday, August 25, 2004
Never Forgotten
FOREVER REMEMBERED
"If you are able, save for them a place inside of you....and save one backward glance when you are leaving for the places they can no longer go.....Be not ashamed to say you loved them....
Take what they have left and what they have taught you with their dying and keep it with your own....And in that time when men decide and feel safe to call the war insane, take one moment to embrace those gentle heroes you left behind...."
Quote from a letter home by Maj. Michael Davis O'Donnell
KIA 24 March 1970. Distinguished Flying Cross: Shot down and Killed while attempting to rescue 8 fellow soldiers surrounded by attacking enemy forces.
We Nam Brothers pause to give a backward glance, and post this remembrance to you, one of the gentle heroes lost to the War in Vietnam:
Slip off that pack. Set it down by the crooked trail. Drop your steel pot alongside. Shed those magazine-ladened bandoliers away from your sweat-soaked shirt. Lay that silent weapon down and step out of the heat. Feel the soothing cool breeze right down to your soul ... and rest forever in the shade of our love, brother.
From your Nam-Band-Of-Brothers
Posted by: Bill Nelson
Email: grite@yahoo.com
Relationship: NamVet 2/502 Inf 101 Abn 69-70
Monday, February 6, 2006
NATIVE AMERICAN PRAYER
It is said a man hasn't died as long as he is remembered. This prayer is a way for families, friends and fellow veterans to remember our fallen brothers and sisters. Do not stand at my grave and weep I am not there, I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow, I am the diamond glints on snow. I am the sunlight on ripened grain, I am the gentle autumn rain. When you awaken in the morning hush, I am the swift, uplifting rush of quiet birds in circled flight, I am the stars that shine at night. Do not stand at my grave and cry, I am not there, I did not die
Posted by: Chris Spencer
Email: cws71354@bellsouth.net
Relationship: fellow veteran,USMC 1972-76
Wednesday, November 17, 2004
An Uncle I Never Knew
never had the chance to meet my Uncle Clinton Fackrell before he died in Vietnam. I've heard alot of things about him. Not too long ago, my aunt received an e-mail from someone in another troop that knew my uncle. She forwarded a copy to me. After reading his message about Clinton's bravery, dedication to his unit, and his final day, I felt as though I've known him all my life. His brother, luckily survived and came home from the Vietnam War. After meeting my uncle that came home, I felt as though I met a little bit of Clinton also. To all the families who have lost loved ones - may you find some sort of peace. Clinton's niece, Stacey
Posted by: Stacey Conover
Email: slc463@aol.com
Tuesday, September 21, 2004
We Remember
Clinton is buried at Golden Gate Nat Cem
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